It meant after a frustrating first half, Pool had started their post-Christmas fixtures with a positive result.

"We thoroughly deserved the point, we were very good in the second half," said Ince.

"We'd looked a bit edgy because we'd lost the last four, we didn't get going and weren't brave enough.

"We were 1-0 down when there was nothing in the game, so we had a word at half time and then we were outstanding.

"We all needed that goal, and we should have gone on and won the game. At least we can start building blocks again and go from here."

The major disappointment for Pool was losing centre half Kirk Broadfoot, who was given a straight red card late on.

It was the first time Ince's preferred back five were available since mid-October, but they'll now be without the Scot, after his lunging tackle.

"I'm not happy. Why we decided to do one twos in the middle of the park with our centre halves baffles me.

"Broady is whole-hearted and passionate - he is just as disappointed as me. But he has let everybody down, we shouldn't have our centre halves running all over the place.

However, Ince did have praise for the players who were given given rare game time this afternoon.

"You have to try and use your players, I thought Chops did very well and has put himself about. We needed an outlet, so with Thomas and Nathan Delfouneso we had new legs and were tighter in midfield, which worked well," said Ince.